Jesus Christ Has Risen in Pop Culture

February 19, 2009

“Where’s your messiah now?” – Dathan
“The Ten Commandments” (1956)

Movies

Christ figure is a concept that is not uncommon in literature, but this concept manifests itself in movies, too. Somethimes itâ’s obvious that a certain character is supposed to be representative of a messiah, and sometimes the subtlety of the character or his situation can lead to the depiction of a Christ figure by inference. 

Unreality Mag put a little list together (make sure you read the comments):

  • Matrix
  • Superman
  • Ellen Ripley – Alien 3
  • RoboCop
  • John Connor – The Terminator movies

Manga Bible

Comic Books

Jesus is also going graphic novel  with a Samurai Stranger Called Christ, The Manga Bible.  Ajinbayo Akinsiku wants the world to know Jesus Christ, just not the gentle, blue-eyed Christ of old Hollywood movies and illustrated Bibles. Mr. Akinsiku says his Son of God is â’a samurai stranger whoâ’s come to town, in silhouette,â’ here to shake things up in a new version of the Bible rooted in manga, the Japanese form of graphic novels.

Ebay

Ebay is filled with Jesus crap.  Everything for your Jesus needs including ‘bling’ your cell phone with Jesus, ties, “Jesus loves Minnesota Twins” t-shirt, tattoos, mouse pad, and the Jesus/God/Lord guitar holy pick set.

Personal Notes

Jesus Christ as a religious icon is following the steps of popularity of Santa Claus.  Santa Claus has been part of popular culture so long that it has been over commercialized and reinvented.  Saint Nicholas was associated with generosity, kindness and saving lives.  Now Saint Nicholas is just a fat, cookie-eating, jolly man, CEO of toy making sweatshop and beds Ms Claus every night.  

As an Atheist I am not denying that Saint Nicholas nor Jesus Christ were alive and walking this planet.  But, Popular culture, past and present, distorted the imagery of Saint Nicholas and Jesus beyond recognition.  It seems that the only thing maintaining any Jesus Christ image is the lack of one.  

More churches have mutilated the image of Jesus Christ into a gay-hating – feed the rich – ignore the poor – gun carrying – Republican . . . . far from any biblical image.  Since the churches do not mind distorting the image why can’t popular culture.

What’s next?  Jesus in a pepsi commercial?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-VrCH1Yu_E

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One Response to Jesus Christ Has Risen in Pop Culture

  1. Jen on February 19, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    What about the Jesus Christ: Vampire Hunter film?
    The “Kill Bunny” sketch on Robot Chicken?
    Jesus and Pals from South Park?